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Renting Your First Place

You’ve decided to move out on your own, congratulations on your big step! Life teaches us lessons and some we don’t learn until we move out on our own. Here are a few tips for first time renters to consider.

Location, location, location. Think about where you want to live. Perhaps, you don’t drive and need public transit, you will want to make sure that you’re close to bus stops or areas you go frequently.

Look at places in your budget. If you’re moving out by yourself make sure that the rent suits your budget but also leaves you room for any emergency fees, groceries and bills that may/will come your way. A rule of thumb for budgeting housing expenses is that your rent or mortgage, utilities and property insurance shouldn’t exceed 40% of your income.

Ask about fees long and short term. This can include things like security (damage) deposit, pet deposits (not all places allow pets – be sure to ask), utilities etc. When considering moving into an apartment building check to see if there are move in/out fees. If you take care of your place, you should get most if not all of your deposits back.

Leases. When you rent you will have to seal the deal with a lease, this may be done verbally however is far better to have it written down.

Why? As a tenant, you could be held legally responsible for things without being aware. Which makes for some nasty surprises when you move out. Without a written lease people can make things up as they go along. Why leave things to chance? If it winds up in court you could find yourself paying for things you didn’t expect.

Types of Leases. There are two types of residential leases in Alberta; month-to-month and fixed term. A month-to-month lease is a continuing lease that ends when either the landlord or the tenant ends the tenancy in a manner provided under the Residential Tenancies Act of Alberta. Term leases can be for any specified length of time, but the most common in Alberta is a six month or a 1-year lease.

Tips to Remember: If you don’t plan on moving and want to protect yourself from a rent increase ask for a longer term lease like 2 or 3 years. If you are a student and are planning to move home after the school year is up ask the landlord if they will give you a term lease that matches your school year.

Roommates. It’s a nice thought to move in with a friend. If you decide to do this make sure that all of your names are on your lease, this will make everyone accountable for their share of the rent. Make an agreement with your roommates about chores, visitors, pets etc. to prevent any arguments or personal bubble invasions that may arise.

Don’t forget your renter’s insurance. Most landlords will require tenants to have insurance. If yours doesn’t, consider getting it anyway – it will help in case of emergencies such as fire, theft etc. If you drive, you may be able to bundle your tenant insurance with your car and/or life insurance!

Organizing & Packing. When moving into a new place it’s a good time to declutter, why pack things you don’t need? It’s more items to collect dust and more work for you. Carefully go through your items and decide what you need and store, donate or trash the rest. Check out our blogs on the Truth about Staying Organizedand Small Storage for tips on decluttering and solutions to store smaller items that won’t fit in your apartment or condo for a fraction of the cost.

Moving day. Arrange for a moving truck and some extra hands to help move your things. Moving day can be exhausting, so budget for pizza and paper plates. This way you won’t have to cook or do dishes your first night.

Done moving in? Now enjoy! Let us know in the comments below if there are any tips for new renters we may have missed.

Endorsements

Thank you once again for the use of your wonderful storage containers. As I prepare to receive my shipment of 10,000 visitor guides for 2017, easy storage and access is a life (and back) saver.

Angelique H., Lacombe Tourism

A few years ago we rented a mobile storage container from you. When it was delivered, the driver was excellent and he was able to maneuver it through a tight spot to drop off the container.

Angela M.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Sue and crew….you walk in to store your stuff…and you walk out feeling like you made a new best friend 🙂 great job Sue and prices are amazing too….keep up the great work guys.

Carl L.

Very friendly staff who made my day – Quick and convenient, willing to work with my schedule and have everything in order to make moving a breeze! Highly recommend

Lacombe Storage has been very helpful, you are always quick to respond and your prices are great. Thank you so much for the lovely experience. Lacombe Storage has been amazing.

Chelsea H.

[in regards to a portable storage experience]
I was impressed with your business model- service, information brochures, details and follow up. Well done! Thanks!

John C., Finishing Touch Builders

I came in to rent a storage locker and didn’t really know anything about rental units. I couldn’t believe how helpful and friendly Sue was. I will recommend Lacombe Storage to anyone looking for storage units. The best customer service I have received in Lacombe to date! Sue was amazing.

Samantha H.

Have used Lacombe Storage twice now. Sue at Lacombe Storage Center is always friendly and goes above and beyond to ensure service is great. ~ Google Review